Diamond, Alaska & Far East ex Singapore to Vancouver

39 Night Cruise sailing from Singapore to Vancovuer aboard Diamond Princess.

One of the most innovative cruise ships sailing today, epitomizing Princess' unique Personal Choice Cruising program. Diamond Princess boasts 750 private balcony staterooms, four sparkling pools, an impressive library and one of the largest Internet cafes at sea.

ASIA is unparalleled in beauty and experience, making this a top destination. Asia is rich in culture and history and makes for a very unique cruise experience. Only Princess brings you the best service and fabulous itineraries.

Highlights of this cruise include:

Singapore
The island of Singapore is situated off the southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula, to which a causeway carrying a road, railway and waterpipe joins it. Singapore City was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company, who recommended that different areas of the town be set aside for the various ethnic groups. The best way to experience the remarkable diversity of the city is on foot: the traditional architecture, customs and cuisine of the various ethnic areas form a fascinating contrast with the lavish, space-age shopping centres of Orchard Road and Raffles City.

Bangkok
Thailand is bounded by Myanmar, the Indian Ocean, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The capital, Bangkok, although increasingly westernised, is underpinned by a strong sense of tradition. The city's canals are untouched by the fast and loud streetlife. Through the city flows the Chao Phraya River on whose banks can be found some of the best hotels in Bangkok. It is also where visitors will find the Grand Palace - a major site. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temples and shrines.

Ho Chi Minh
Set back from the delta formed by the Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the main commercial centre of the southern part of Vietnam, receiving its name in honour of the leader who successfully led the nation against both the French and the Americans. Locals still like to refer to it as Saigon. More modern than other Vietnamese cities, Ho Chi Minh City has also retained its French colonial influences. Its vibrancy is maintained by the ever-entrepreneurial Saigonese who have taken the government reforms to heart and re-embraced the capitalist ethic with unrestrained enthusiasm. The streets are jam-packed with mopeds and scooters, often carrying whole families. The markets are chaotically busy. There is a lot to see in Ho Chi Minh City. The colourful Emperor of Jade Pagoda is an excellent example of a Chinese temple

Nha Trang
The city of Nha Trang is becoming more popular with the tourists in recent years. Yet, with a population of 300,000, Nha Trang still retains its small town atmosphere. This resort town is well known for its miles of beach and the friendliness of its people. The city is flanked by nearly ten kilometers of prime beach where the water is warm year round.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a major tourist destination as well as being one of the world's major business centres. This tax-free, bustling port and commercial centre has many luxury hotels and lesser hostelries which are used as bases to explore Hong Kong, the New Territories and the many outlying islands. Transportation is modern and well organised and most tours and sightseeing trips are completed in time for the tourist to be back in Hong Kong the same day. A tour of the New Territories takes about six hours, one of Hong Kong Island about four. Other popular excursions include sport and recreation tours and night tours, such as a dinner cruise and a tram tour with cocktails served.

Shanghai
'Paris of the East' with the best skyline in Asia - cosmopolitan Shanghai teems with a myriad of history, culture, festivals, temples, cathedrals, gardens, buildings and bridges conjuring images of Oriental and European influences. Relics reminiscent of these are evident along "The Bund", Shanghai's waterfront that is lined with many European-styled buildings.

Beijing
Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is the nation's political and cultural centre. Beijing has continental climate. Annual rainfall averages nearly 700 millimetres, most of it comes in July and August. Winter is dry and cold and has little snow. The frost-free period is 185 days. The best time to visit Beijing is May, September and October, when people enjoy bright sunny sky.

Dalian, China
This attractive seaside resort is one of Northern China's most popular coastal destinations. Take a historic walking tour or gain a unique perspective on Chinese culture with a visit to a local family's private home.

People from all over China flock to Dalian on the tip of the Laiodong Peninsula, drawn by its deep-blue bay and dazzling beaches. The city boasts wide, tree-lined avenues, pleasant hotels, legendary seafood restaurants, water sports, and a year-round mild climate. The surrounding countryside is dotted with grain fields and apple orchards.

Vladivostok, Russia
Long closed to Western travelers, a visit to the former Siberia offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier life. The capital of Primorsky Territory, Vladivostok is the end of the line for the legendary Trans-Siberian Railroad, the longest continuous rail line in the world. From its fine cathedral and Russian architecture to Golden Horn Harbor, you'll be awed by Russia's main base for its Pacific fleet.

Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska
At the base of the Chugach Mountains in the shadow of a towering glacier and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, the tiny town of Whittier is the gateway to the spectacular Prince William Sound and the city of Anchorage. Whittier exists on thriving fishing and tourism industries. Its 290 residents enjoy a near wilderness state, as it was inaccessible by road until 2000.

Skagway
This southern-most Alaskan port city is known as Alaska's First City because it was the first major community travelers came to heading north. Founded as a fishing camp, Ketchikan is built on steep hillsides and is billed as the salmon capital of the world. A quaint village, the town is just three miles long and three blocks wide.

Ketchikan
This southern-most Alaskan port city is known as Alaska's First City because it was the first major community travelers came to heading north. Founded as a fishing camp, Ketchikan is built on steep hillsides and is billed as the salmon capital of the world. A quaint village, the town is just three miles long and three blocks wide.

Vancouver
Often thought of as Canada's most beautiful city, Vancouver is a gorgeous thriving metropolis that's fortunate enough to be flanked by the ocean and mountains. With its numerous parks, beaches, gardens, museums, art galleries and ethnic diversity, Vancouver is one of those rare places that actually lives up to its promise of offering something for everyone.

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